Installing Glue Down Cork Floors For Beginners

When thinking of cork flooring, it’s only natural to have the vision of the traditional wine cork material, or perhaps even the cork backing of a bulletin board in mind. Of course, if this is the look you are going for with a cork floor, you’ll have no trouble – there some really great looking natural cork flooring products on the market today. But some folks are totally surprised when they see the myriad of alternative cork flooring for the first time – everything from bright colors to patterns that resemble something you’d see done with traditional ceramic tile.

As impressive as cork floors are to look at (and as great as the feel under foot), there’s another really huge benefit to using the material too – installing glue down cork is a remarkably simple process for folks that are moderately handy! Here are the most important steps of installing adhesive cork flooring:

Before beginning, there are few things to know. First, cork does not work well in wet environments or with a subfloor that’s prone to any dampness at all. It’s important to take this into account before choosing cork flooring. Second, once you have the cork in your home, it’s important to set it out and let it acclimate to its new environment before installing right away – let it sit for several days to expand or contract to the surroundings.

Working on with a perfectly flat and level subfloor (this is important as imperfections in the subfloor will show trough in the cork), the first step is preparing and cleaning the surface. Make sure any waxes or paints are completely removed along with any dirt or grime.

Now it’s time to do a trial run layout of the cork flooring tiles. Keeping the normal rules of aesthetics in mind, just lay the cork out the way you desire. You’re looking for conflicts where patterns might not be configured right or where cork tiles might need to be cut in awkward places. Work out the kinks and then use a chalkline to mark your efforts as you proceed.

The next step is rolling the adhesive to the entire floor with a medium nap paint roller. For the least amount of hassle, start by covering the edges first and then going to a far corner and working your way back without painting yourself into a corner. It’s important to cover the entire subfloor as evenly as possible with adhesive. Now, let the adhesive thoroughly dry until it’s clear.

After this, it’s time to start installing the cork itself. Work according to the plan you marked earlier with the chalklines, simply placing one cork tile tightly against the next. Use a rubber mallet to tamp down each cork section, and also to coax unruly edges into place. For small imperfections, a utility knife can also be used to trim and fit.

That’s all there is to the installation phase of glue down cork flooring. The next steps revolve around applying the finish coat and maintaining the floor. Basically, just follow the manufacturer’s directions to apply the top coat the first time. Maintenance might necessitate a reapplication of the finish product sometime down the line.

So, are you ready to begin installing that cork floor yet, or what?